Tribute By Tracy Tuten
While Christmas is a time to celebrate, it is also a time to remember those that we have lost; this can make the holidays a more somber time of year for some people. Many have lost grandparents, parents, siblings, children, cousins, friends, or other loved ones. For me, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of my niece, Kennedy Branham, just two days after Christmas. As the “Pray 4 Kennedy” community took Lexington by storm providing encouragement and strength, Kennedy came out of her shell and embraced life throughout her journey with brain cancer. She and her family were showered with an abundance of love and prayers from family, friends, and kind strangers. The Lexington High School baseball team rallied around her with support, and River Bluff High School held a huge event in her honor. At the young age of 15, Kennedy inspired an entire community with her constant determination, saying, “If me getting sick, or even me dying is what it takes for people to hear about Jesus—it’s worth it.”
Today we must choose to “Live 4 Kennedy”. It is not easy as we all miss her beyond measure, but I know that she would have wanted us to celebrate each and every day (especially Christmas being the holiday she loved so much) surrounded by those we love.
Kennedy is in our hearts forever. Always.
In Loving Memory ~ Kennedy Branham 2/23/99 – 12/27/13
